Monday, April 28, 2014

Women a wife and a "deaconess" at her core.

Ever notice how as women we are so easily deceived? We function on feelings and try and think the best of everyone. The best deceits speak to our hearts yearnings and desires. They are the ones that speak on our desire for purpose, worth, becoming, power, position and authority. We also have a designed purpose from God as a woman.

Eve was deceived.

She thought with her heart that God would want her to become like him, that it would be the best thing for her. As women we often feel we get the short end of the stick especially in the church and in our families. In some ways this is true but when those feelings make us doubt our worth, it is here the problem lies.

A woman's role created by God.

There has been a lot of discussion lately about a women's role especially when it comes to the church and to the home. We think that if we have "that role" we will have worth. This my friends is a lie and we are being deceived. Just like the lie Satan told Eve. This is a lie based on our struggle for worth.

God has given us worth. Look at the Proverbs 31 wife.

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

We create the next generation and are responsible for teaching them His ways. We also take care of each other and each others families. We create fellowship and opportunities to serve each other. We know what is going on in each others lives and our struggles. We comfort and care for each other so we each in turn can care for our families. We reach out to poor and needy. We teach the younger generation how to "love" their husbands. We clean and cook (The man can do this too) and provide the basic needs for our family's and our churches to function (although these are not the only roles we can or will fill). We are prayers and intercessors . We are servants. The "deaconess" at its core. Just as Christ was a servant so are we.

By taking the roles that are traditionally for Men (elders, teachers of men, head of the house) we find ourselves abandoning the role of household manager. We can only do so much with the 24 hours we have. So we should proceed with caution as we add on to our role and consider the effects.